Steve Burns
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON — (WMAL) It’s no secret that D.C. isn’t the cheapest place in which to put down roots, but some members of the D.C. Council are looking at giving an incentive to police officers and firefighters who want to live in the same city they serve.
A proposal introduced by Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie would exempt a first responder’s entire salary from local income taxes. It seemed to get a favorable review during a Finance Committee hearing on Monday from Chairman Jack Evans and Councilmember Vince Gray.
“There’s well over 83 percent of our police officers, and 75 percent of our fire and EMS employees who live outside the District of Columbia,” Gray said. “The fact that so many of our first responders live so far away from the citizens they protect and serve should be, and I think is, very troubling.”
Gray said the proposal would mean about a $5,000 per year savings for a mid-career officer or firefighter.
Stephen Bigelow, the Vice Chairman of DC’s Police Union, said anything the Council can do to help recruitment is a good thing.
“Then-Chief Lanier said back in 2011 if we got below 3,800 members, we’d be in trouble. Right now we’re right around 3,400,” Bigelow said. “We’re having trouble recruiting, and I really applaud these initiatives that you’re putting forward.”
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